Türkiye has become a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Tuesday.
ASEAN foreign ministers approved Türkiye’s new status during a meeting in Manila, marking a major step in Ankara’s regional engagement.
Fidan said the decision reflects Türkiye’s multi-dimensional foreign policy under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership.
He added that Ankara’s approach can influence the international agenda and contribute to shaping the global system.
The new status places Türkiye immediately below full ASEAN membership, according to Fidan.
He noted that ASEAN had previously granted this position to only 11 countries worldwide.
Fidan thanked foreign ministers who supported Türkiye’s application after Ankara formally submitted its bid in 2024.
He also expressed appreciation to Philippine officials and the ASEAN Secretariat for supporting the process.
Türkiye views the new partnership as an important step toward expanding its presence across the Asia-Pacific region.
Fidan described the region as the eastern axis of Ankara’s global diplomacy and foreign policy strategy.
He said the partnership would support Türkiye’s long-term goals in Southeast Asia and help complete existing cooperation projects.
Türkiye established institutional ties with ASEAN in 2010, beginning a partnership that later expanded across several sectors.
Since then, bilateral trade has increased from $6.5 billion to $16 billion, according to Fidan.
The foreign minister said Ankara now expects stronger political and economic cooperation with the regional bloc.
ASEAN represents nearly 700 million people and has an economy valued at more than $4 trillion.
Moreover, the partnership could create new opportunities for trade, investment and diplomatic engagement between Türkiye and ASEAN members.
Fidan concluded by expressing hope that the new chapter would benefit Türkiye and ASEAN member states.
